Tragedy in Saada: Migrant Shelter Hit
On April 28, 2025, Houthi officials in Yemen reported that a U.S. airstrike targeted a detention center in Saada province, resulting in the deaths of at least 68 African migrants and injuring 47 others. The facility housed approximately 115 migrants, primarily from Ethiopia, who were detained while attempting to transit through Yemen en route to Saudi Arabia.
The Houthi-run Interior Ministry stated that the shelter was under the supervision of the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC). They condemned the strike as a “full-fledged war crime.”
U.S. Military Response and Ongoing Operations
The U.S. military’s Central Command (CENTCOM) has not confirmed the specific incident but acknowledged conducting over 800 strikes in Yemen since mid-March under “Operation Rough Rider.” These operations aim to degrade the capabilities of the Iran-backed Houthi rebels, who have launched attacks on shipping lanes in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden.
CENTCOM has stated that it will limit disclosing details about its operations to maintain operational security.
Humanitarian Concerns and International Reactions
The alleged strike has drawn international concern over the safety of migrants and civilians in conflict zones. Human rights organizations have previously criticized the targeting of detention centers and the broader impact of military operations on vulnerable populations.
In 2022, a similar incident occurred when a Saudi-led coalition airstrike hit a detention center in Saada, killing 66 detainees.
Broader Context: Migrant Vulnerability in Yemen
Yemen serves as a transit point for thousands of African migrants seeking work in Gulf countries. The ongoing conflict has exacerbated the risks they face, including detention, abuse, and now, the threat of airstrikes.
The international community continues to monitor the situation, urging all parties to adhere to international humanitarian laws and protect civilian lives.
